Riona Callahan

Question #1: What inspired you to pursue the major you are in?

I knew I wanted access to hands-on experience with large animals before attending veterinary school. Animal Science embeds that experience into its curriculum by having multiple labs and trips to the barns. An added advantage was most professors in the department are conducting research at the Penn State animal facilities!

Question #2: What has been the best part of your time in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences?

The College of Ag Sciences has exposed me to new perspectives and experiences regarding agriculture. I had the opportunity to go to the Poultry Research Center and aid in grading eggs, learned about hundreds of jobs I didn’t know existed in the agricultural industry through speakers and classes, and much more. I also love that the college is tight-knit with an Ag Student Council and fun events such as Ag Olympics.

Question #3: What do you wish you would have known as a new student at Penn State?

I wish I had known that all you had to do to get an opportunity was talk to people. I thought you had to stand out in some sort of way, but, in reality, if you just talk to professors and older students, you can find incredible opportunities and ways to get involved without winning some sort of major competition. As a first-year student, I definitely should’ve been more outgoing!